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Stop demolitions, sealing houses under garb of anti-drug campaign in Kashmir: J&K Minister Sakina Itoo
On May 8, 2026, J&K minister Sakina Itoo called for an immediate halt to demolitions and sealing of houses under the anti-drug drive in Kashmir, arguing it harms locals and fails to address drug trafficking. She urged authorities to focus on rehabilitating youths and the drug supply chain rather than targeting residents. The same day, police actions across Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kulgam involved demolitions, asset attachments, and land recoveries linked to alleged narcotics activity, drawing political criticism from opposition leaders.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight tensions between anti-drug enforcement and due process in Kashmir, set against ongoing police crackdowns and political critique amid governance debates.
Timeline
7 Events
SSP Kulgam: strict action to continue against drug trafficking
May 8, 2026
Anayat Ali Chowdhary, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulgam, stated that strict action would continue against individuals involved in drug trafficking and that illegal assets, encroachments, and proceeds of crime would be identified and dealt with as per law.
Kulgam: five Kanals of kahcharai land retrieved
May 8, 2026
In Kulgam, policemen and Revenue authorities retrieved five Kanals of kahcharai (community) land at village Oriel from unauthorised occupation by a drug peddler, with an estimated market value of about ₹60 lakhs.
Anantnag: illegal opium poppy cultivation on Shamilat land and asset inquiry
May 8, 2026
In Anantnag, police reported illegal cultivation of opium poppy on Shamilat (community) land and initiated attachment and seizure under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act against Bashir Ahmad Mir and family. An enquiry under Chapter VA reportedly found assets disproportionate to known lawful income and linked to illicit narcotics trade.
Baramulla: demolition of a drug peddler's shop in Ferozpora
May 8, 2026
In Baramulla, police, in coordination with Revenue authorities and Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), demolished a shop of a drug peddler in Ferozpora as part of the intensified campaign to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
Ruling parties' anti-drug rally context in Srinagar
May 8, 2026
The article notes that local legislators from the ruling National Conference and PDP attended an anti-drug rally in Srinagar at the invitation of the Lieutenant Governor, describing it as the biggest anti-drugs rally attended by locals in Kashmir and observed just days after related criticisms.
PDP reaction: bulldozer justice without due process is not governance
May 8, 2026
PDP legislator Waheed ur Rehman Parra criticized the demolitions, arguing that bulldozer justice without due process is not governance. He posted a video of demolition drives in south Kashmir, warning that uprooting families from long-held properties is inhumane and calling for legal protections for the poor.
Sakina Itoo calls to stop demolitions and sealing under anti-drug drive
May 8, 2026
On May 8, 2026, Senior J&K minister Sakina Itoo criticized the anti-drug campaign, urging an immediate stop to demolitions and sealing of properties in Kashmir. She argued that if a youth is involved and the property is in the father’s name, it is being sealed, causing hardship for locals. Itoo noted that the Omar Abdullah government has framed an anti-drug policy and introduced a Bill, and emphasized rehabilitation over bulldozers, stating that action should not target locals’ properties.